Today@Sam Article

Heritage Magazine: Bearkat AdvoKats

Oct. 13, 2023
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd

From current student-athletes to professors to alumni, Bearkats from all walks of life have looked forward to Sam Houston State University's entrance into Conference USA. The conference offers the athletes a chance to face tougher competitors and sharpen their skills as they perform at on a higher level with higher stakes. 

These devoted fans, Bearkat AdvoKats, shared their thoughts and hopes for all teams within SHSU athletics as it transitioned into CUSA. 

Kavian Gaither (Sophomore, Bearkat football athlete)

“As soon as I got to campus, I loved it here. Watching the Bearkats on their championship run made me love it even more. Conference USA is going to be the next great step for us in putting Huntsville on the map and showing everyone in the world what we are about and what a great university this is.”

Kaylee Jefferson (MBA student, Bearkat basketball athlete) 

“Everyone who goes to Sam Houston State knows it’s a great place to be and knows our school deserves more visibility. Conference USA will give us that credit or edge to be recognized in areas we haven’t been before. It will be good for us, and the Sam Houston State brand will continue to grow.” 

Russell Molina (’89)

“This is a very exciting time for SHSU. Conference USA will clearly raise the profile of SHSU as a whole. A move to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) is meaningful in so many ways; more money for the program is great, but it will also affect our recruitment, national exposure, student body, as well as the local economy.”

Randy and Ann Stewart (’82) 

“I don’t think the community realizes all of the advantages that come with being part of a nationwide product like Conference USA. We’re going to start getting big name schools to compete here and more opportunities from corporate sponsors who want to be associated with our brand. We are really looking forward to it.” 

Charlene Crockett (Retired SHSU professor) & Paula White (’72)   

“Going to another conference will give us more publicity and more opportunity to be seen at a national level. This improves not only recruitment for all sports, but recruitment opportunities for students in general.” (Charlene)  

“One of the things that I have realized is that each time the Bearkats have changed conferences, they’ve become bigger and better. That’s true with all sports and we’ve got season tickets to a lot of them.” (Paula) 

To read the full version of Heritage Magazine Summer 2023, follow this link.

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